Window Rock, Arizona — The Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved Legislation No. 0169-25, as amended, on Friday, January 30, during the Fifth Day of the 25th Navajo Nation Council Winter Session, reauthorizing the Diné Higher Education Grant Fund Act and reaffirming the Nation’s commitment to higher education.
The legislation passed with a vote of 17 in favor and 0 opposed and continues financial support for Diné College, Navajo Technical University (NTU), and the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance (ONNSFA).
During the Council session, Elmer Guy, President of Navajo Technical University, addressed the 25-member Council on behalf of NTU, alongside representatives from Diné College and ONNSFA, and in support of the legislation sponsored by Andy Nez and Co-Sponsor Carl Slater.
Navajo Technical University continues to seek and expand opportunities that support student growth, workforce readiness, and career advancement across the Navajo Nation.
“We provide opportunities through many internships such as Sandia Labs, Los Alamos, Honeywell, and now NHA because there is a growing need for skilled workers, including carpenters and plumbers,” said Elmer Guy, President of Navajo Technical University.
Dr. Guy also expressed his appreciation for the Navajo Nation Council’s action in approving the legislation.
“We are deeply appreciative of the Navajo Nation Council for reauthorizing the Diné Higher Education Grant Fund,” Guy said. “This investment directly supports our students, strengthens our academic programs, and allows Navajo Technical University to continue preparing a skilled workforce that will serve the Navajo Nation for generations to come.”
Originally introduced with a proposed $30 million allocation, the legislation was amended following Council discussion to authorize $19 million, including $7 million for ONNSFA and $6 million each for Navajo Technical University and Diné College. The new authorization represents an increase from the most recent allocation and ensures continued support for higher education access, scholarships, and institutional growth. Forward-funded monies will be distributed in full on October 1st of each fiscal year.
Delegate Dr. Andy Nez thanked the Navajo Nation Council for its unanimous support following the vote.
“Colleagues, thank you on behalf of our students, educators, institutions, teachers, and everyone in the educational community,” Nez said. “This is a good step in the right direction. Ahe’hee’.”
First enacted in 2004, the Diné Higher Education Grant Fund Act has supported Navajo students for more than two decades. The reauthorization will now be forwarded to the Office of the Navajo Nation President for final signature.
Questions?
For more information, please contact:
Clinton Desiderio, Director of Communications
E: clintdesiderio@navajotech.edu
